Interdependance and Adaptation Flashcards
Environment:
All the conditions that surround a living organism.
Habitat:
The place where an organism lives.
Population:
All the members of a single species that live in a habitat.
Community:
All the populations of different species that live in a habitat.
Ecosystem:
A community and its habitat.
What do animals compete for?
- Food
- Water
- Space
What do plants compete for?
- Water
- Space
- Mineral salts
How does a polar bear adapt to its surroundings?
- White appearance so that it can sneak up on its prey.
- Thick layers of fat and fur for insulation.
- A small surface area to volume ratio for minimum heat loss
- A greasy coat to shed water after swimming.
- Large furry feet to distribute their load across the surface.
How does a camel adapt to its surroundings?
- Large, flat feet to spread their weight on the sand.
- Thick fur on the top of the body for shade, thin elsewhere.
- Large surface area to volume ratio for maximum heat loss.
- Lack of water tolerance, lose little water through urination and perspiration.
- Ability to tolerate high temperatures.
- Long rows of eyelashes to keep out the sand.
How does a cactus adapt to its surroundings?
- Stems that store water
- Widespread root system to collect water.
- Spines instead of leaves to minimize water loss by transpiration.
- Spines to protect from predators.
What are extremophiles?
Organisms that live in very extreme environments. Conditions include:
- High temperatures
- High concentrations of salt in water
- High pressures
Pollution indicators:
Bushy lichens: Need really clean air.
Leafy lichens: Can survive a small amount of pollution.
Crusty lichens: Can survive in more polluted air.
Mayfly larva: Clean water
Freshwater shrimp: Low water pollution.
Water louse: High pollution
Rat-tailed maggot- Very high pollution.
Rainfall and temperature:
Measured with a rain gauge, temperature measured with a thermometer.
